Stirling’s foodbank has received a much needed financial boost after their desperate plea for donations was reported in the Observer.

In Friday’s paper, we told how Start-Up Stirling was running extremely low on food supplies that they distribute to up to 160 poverty-stricken families in the area.

The charity had warned that families could go hungry during the summer holidays if it doesn’t receive essential donations.

And the article prompted the Rotary Club of Stirling to generously allocate £500 to help ease the crisis.

Vice President Alan Rankin spotted the article just before the club’s meeting on Friday, proposed for the donation to be made and handed over the cheque on Monday.

“It is a very worthy cause for us, that is local and community based, so it is ideal for us to donate to,” said Alan. “I came down to the depot on Friday and the shelves were empty. Hopefully, we can help them get some more items.”

Start-Up Stirling’s Project Coordinator Linda Sterry, said she was delighted with the donation only hours after the story had been published.

She explained that the money could be used to buy fresh food for families who use the foodbank.

“I wasn’t expecting any donations to arrive so quickly,” she said. “I phoned the office about something else and was delighted to hear that the Rotary Club had made the donation. It is hugely appreciated and much needed.

“We have been looking at how we can distribute fresh fruit and veg, and this money could be used for that as it is very important that all families have access to fresh produce. Some of the people who contact us are living off cereal or biscuits.

“Once we have worked out what stock we need we will look at how the money can be spent.”

The organisation now runs three foodbanks a week - on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays - where families who have been referred to them receive basic food supplies to ensure they do not go hungry.

Those hit by homelessness or poverty are referred to Start-Up by other organisations, with clients receiving support for six weeks to help them get back on their feet.